Rigoletto and The Rockin Cowboys

In this Emotionworks Cut Opera production, Verdi’s operatic masterpiece Rigoletto is condensed and integrated with the best classic country rock. This reinvention has adapted the story to the world of the super-rich tycoon cowboy. Verdi meets Dallas in this foot tapping, thigh slapping, dark and humorous Cut Opera take. El Coco is transformed into a playground for cowboys—full of high energy opera fusion and featuring songs by The Eagles, Elvis, Credence, Dixie Chicks, Eric Clapton, Johnny Cash and Fleetwood Mac to name a few.

This is the story of a fathers love. The damaged war veteran, Rigoletto, tries to save his innocent daughter Gilda from the powerful ‘Duke’ and his licentious, corrupt world. Rigoletto is the Duke’s loyal right hand man until the Duke takes the only thing that he holds dear. Rigoletto is haunted throughout by Monterone’s curse of a father’s revenge which drives the story to its tragic end.

Devised and directed by award winning director Julie Edwardson, cast includes Michael Lampard as Rigoletto, Jason Wasley as ‘The Duke’, Katy Turbitt as Gilda and featuring the Rockin’ Cowboys and Cowgirls and accompanied by the Cut Opera House Combo.